Decorating with Pattern » As I see it

Drama with Red, White and Black

Jaima Brown — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:56:31 +0000

I am passionate for color, how can I choose a favorite when I love them all?
Black, white and red while nostalgic is very sleek and sophisticated.

I wrote a recent blog on black and white decorating which I adore, however,

when adding accents of red this color scheme is taken to whole other level of modern elegance.

Fun in fashion as well making a striking statement of boldness.

This everlasting color combo is a classic you will never tire of even in your wardrobe. Christmas holidays can be stylish yet simple when using this color scheme.

So be bold and add a little red to your black and white home, wardrobe and holidays this season!

Images via: millionlooks.com;betterhomes&garden;voque.com;www.kabmurungraya.net

Aldeburgh Memories in Suffolk England.

Jaima Brown — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:40:41 +0000

Our trip to England was a somber yet joyful occasion. Scattering my mother’s ashes in the North Sea gave each of us time to reflect, and say our final good byes to one of the last Grande Dames.

It was like time travel, my father who is 95 revisited his childhood home; his first place of employment which was Bassett Smith back in 1931, but is now the London Metal Exchange; and he toured The Saracens Rugby Club where he played on the team and coached from 1934-1939.

Several of the days and evenings were spent reminiscing at my Uncle’s seaside home “Seacote” in Aldeburgh, Suffolk.

A quaint and quiet town with small shops, galleries, a large shell sculpture perched on the beach and many row houses all nestled together.

When you walk up the road from the cottage, out across a lake with swans gently swimming is the famous home known as the “House in The Sky” as you can see afar in my photo.

We had an interesting and fun trip down memory lane as well, this trip helped us to heal, share and build family memories! So tomorrow we move on to our fun and bright future of decorating with pattern.

Images via: Jaima Brown

Touring London

Jaima Brown — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 11:24:23 +0000

Our tour continued to include chic town homes with elegant simple gardens. White English roses blooming against black wrought iron fences; lovely to see flowers and greenery garnishing the city.

As we drove through the city, other sites included Big Ben.

Buckingham Palace was next on the tour but we did miss the changing of the guards.

These famous historical sites are definitely worth a return visit for a tour as driving by doesn’t give them justice to their history or beauty.

What would London be without the famous red telephone boxes?

We flew by London Bridge in a hurry to leave town, beating the dreaded rush hour traffic!

I love London, its architecture, style and beauty but I also discovered a great London wallpaper designer Lizzie Allen who hand screen prints London life! Here it is…..

I love the whimsical style of these papers. Enjoy!

Images via: Jaima Brown Inc. Lizzy Allen.com

London Calling

Jaima Brown — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:59:34 +0000

Well, here we are in London. Just after arriving, we took a quick tour into London for lunch and to see the windows at Harrods. Love that shop! All decked out for the holidays and the theme this year is ” The Wizard of Oz”. Visions of the yellow brick road leading us into small window boxes with lovely items like jewels and bags and lots of other items one may fancy.

Love the taxis as they are so clean and they seat up to 5 people. Of course, they have terrific door men dressed to the nines in Harrods famous green suits and caps.

The Christmas windows were fabulous. Green sparkling Christmas lights were the backdrops of the windows with scenes that had a very elegant but retro glam appeal to them. Very fun indeed.

This window features Marlyn Monroe in the background with Ken serving drinks from a classic bar.

Today’s woman depicted with a 40′s glam look with a modern twist.

Fun accessories and trinkets displayed with shine and glimmer to the entire look.

Look for more tomorrow on my one day, whirl wind visit through London.

Ta Ta for now!

Images via: Jaima Brown

Moving Tips 101..Avoid it if possible.

Jaima Brown — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:42:21 +0000

I took a recent two week hiatus, we moved. Ugh…the amount of furniture we have shifted from house to house has been unbelievable. Where did all this stuff come from and what do I do with it all?

I needed time to unwind, so I started reading “Weekend in Paris” by Robyn Sisman. I have taken to daydreaming about Paris to escape some of this moving madness.

Ahhh, the memories…my husband asked me to marry him in Paris, he’s such a romantic.

Oh to be seduced with the alluring architecture while sightseeing and to rest at outdoor cafe’s sipping champagne.

Least I forget the quaint hotels, like La Mathurin with lovely rooms finished to perfection….

I love a room with wallpaper and all the intricate decorating details.

POOF…back to reality as chaos awaits me.

Au revoir for now!

Wednesday is gardening day!

Jaima Brown — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 21:07:05 +0000

I love flowers…. especially in the summer when my garden is in full bloom. Nature is amazing with its beautiful vibrant colors,definitely eye candy for me as color makes me happy.

My garden design this year is the best so far compared to the last three years. It looks like it is on steroids.Well OK…I will tell you my secret. I give them a boost every two weeks with Miracle Grow and it works wonders.

My side garden with the Pink Hydrangeas, Astilbi and Monarda is terrific. This summer I have noticed the tall red Monarda is attracting hummingbirds. Love having a cocktail in the evening on the deck watching these little birds flitter about.

I always mix my herbs such as rosemary, sage, basil and parsley into my garden beds so they are surrounded with color and plant them near the kitchen for quick access for cooking when needed. Happy Gardening!